Nuclear Waste Disposal: Can We Rely on Bedrock? focuses on a proposed solution to disposing nuclear waste, which is to deposit canisters of nuclear waste in tunnels and rooms in deep rock formations at depths of about 500 – 1100 m (1600 – 3600 ft.). This underground facility in a large body of rock is known as a repository. This book explains that the tunnels and rooms are excavated by mining techniques and the waste canisters placed in vertical drill holes in the floor. This text also discusses the concept known as mined geological disposal of nuclear wastes. Other topics covered include the form and final disposal of nuclear wastes; nature of rock and groundwater; and disturbed rock and groundwater. This book also explains the long-term behavior of the rock and the groundwater; nuclear waste leakage into the groundwater; and possible positive and negative effects of mined geological disposal. This text is essential for students of environmental science, especially those conducting research on nuclear energy.

Nuclear Energy and the Environment provides an assessment, based on the opinions and findings of international experts in the field of atomic energy, of the environmental impact of the different stages of the nuclear fuel cycle. Chapters in the book cover different subjects in the use of nuclear energy such as the environmental impacts of energy production and use; the environmental impact of mining and milling of radioactive ores, upgrading processes, and the fabrication of nuclear fuels; none radiological environmental implications of nuclear energy; and the technology and environmental hazards of nuclear waste disposal. Nuclear scientists, environmentalists, ecologists, nuclear engineers, and policy makers will find the book interesting.

Predictive Geology: With Emphasis on Nuclear-Waste Disposal covers the proceedings of papers presented at sessions sponsored by the International Association for Mathematical Geology. The topics that this book tackles are issues relevant to nuclear-waste disposal. The first chapter discusses the use of plate tectonics as a catastrophe theoretic model, and the second chapter covers geologic predictions and radioactive waste disposal. Chapter 3 also talks about radioactive waste disposal, with emphasis on the application of predictive geology. Chapter 4 discusses salt domes and Chapter 5 tackles the use of fault-tree analysis for probabilistic assessment of radioactive-waste segregation. The sixth chapter covers predictive geology in nuclear-waste management, while the seventh chapter tackles nuclear power on unstable ground. The eighth chapter deals with long-term thermohydrologic behavior of nuclear-waste repositories. Chapter 9 discusses the influence of faulting on groundwater flow and contaminant transport, while chapter 10 covers the influence of microfissures in crystalline rock on radionuclide migration. The eleventh chapter tackles the long-term prediction of the fate of nuclear waste deeply buried in granite, and the twelfth chapter talks about the use of quantitative evaluation of the contribution of geologic knowledge in exploration for petroleum. The last chapter deals with resource-estimation models and predicted discovery. Researchers and professionals concerned with the effects of radioactive materials to the environment will find this book a great source of information.

Developments at the nanoscale are leading to new possibilities and challenges for nuclear applications in areas ranging from medicine to international commerce to atomic power production/waste treatment. Progress in nanotech is helping the nuclear industry slash the cost of energy production. It also continues to improve application reliability and safety measures, which remain a critical concern, especially since the reactor disasters in Japan. Exploring the new wide-ranging landscape of nuclear function, Atomic Nanoscale Technology in the Nuclear Industry details the breakthroughs in nanoscale applications and methodologies that are revolutionizing power production, biotechnology, and material science. Developments in atomic nanoscale technology have given us the ability to: Use ion beams to Investigate and optimize radiation energy losses at the nanoscopic level Assess nanoscopic safety circumstances involved in a reactor failure Analyze characteristics of nuclear spacecraft operating in the nanogravity of deep space Evaluate light collection enhancement for digital X-ray detection Apply brachytherapy using radioisotopes for cancer therapy Treat nuclear waste at the nanoscopic level Use systems-thinking decision making to analyze financial progress of nanotech in the energy industry Assess safety (and safety management methods) for nuclear nanomaterials used in plant operations Representing a first step in multi-combinatorial research, this text incorporates advanced studies that use Monte Carlo and solid-state measurement (including radiation detection) methods. Researchers used these to demonstrate the potential to upgrade methods of radiation protection and nuclear reactor operation (safety, waste disposal, etc.). The author also addresses how we can use nanotechnology to address industrial concerns and enhance nuclear medicine techniques. He highlights several nanomaterial systems and devices to illustrate developments in this area. About the Author: Taeho Woo launched the specialized field of atomic multinology (interdisciplinary research of nuclear technology), which combines the application of information technology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology in the nuclear industry.

The issue of nuclear waste is about managing some of the most dangerous material ever to exist. This has to be done safely, and in a way that remains safe for many thousands of years. To realize safe disposal, satisfying bedrock conditions are needed as well as people willing to accept disposal in their own community. In most countries this kind of place has been difficult to locate. This book is the first of its kind, reporting a study which analyses in detail the highly controversial decisions on how to finally dispose of nuclear waste in Sweden, a country considered a forerunner in nuclear waste management. The siting process is traced, as are its connections both back in time and to the global community. From the perspective of science and technology studies the study contributes to the understanding of regulation of controversial technical issues in modern societies.